Network and Sharing Center’s Network Map
By default, Windows 7 only displays a full network map in the Network and Sharing Center if you’re connected to a Private network. The network map is a graphical view of the computers and devices on your network that shows how they’re connected. However, you can turn the mapping feature on when connected to Domain and Public networks as well.
To enable the network map feature go to the Start search text box and type gpedit.msc and press enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Link-Layer Topology Discovery.
- Double-click the Turn on Mapper I/O (LLTDIO) driver policy, select Enabled, and then select Allow operation while in domain (or Allow operation while in public network for public networks). Then click Next Setting.
- Double-click the Turn on Responder (RSPNDR) driver policy, select Enabled, and then select Allow operation while in domain (or Allow operation while in public network for public networks). Then click OK.
LLTDIO allows a computer to discover the topology of a network it’s connected to. It also allows a computer to initiate Quality-of-Service requests such as bandwidth estimation and network health analysis.
The Responder allows a computer to participate in Link Layer Topology Discovery requests so that it can be discovered and located on the network. It also allows a computer to participate in Quality-of-Service activities such as bandwidth estimation and network health analysis.
Sometimes, Windows can’t detect all of the computers and devices on a network, or can’t place all of the computers and devices in the right location on the map. This can happen if:
- The computer is running Windows 7 or Windows Vista and the Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) protocol is disabled on the network adapter.
- The computer is running Windows 7 or Windows Vista and network discovery is turned off.
- The device doesn’t support the required protocols for Windows 7, which can cause some devices to appear on the network map, but not as you’d expect to see them. For example, a router could be shown as three things: a router, a switch, and an access point.
